My Chinese actress(state-company) girlfriend 'Yip' looked at her watch, frowned and said,"Have fun with Salome?
I have to go to an appointment." She gave me a half smile,stood
up and glided out of the bar. A vision of loveliness, I bit my
tongue with a what if the girl I am sleeping with really is a spy as well as an actress and a dancer?

Salome bounced over all smiles, "I don't need to work for a while
thanks to Dimitrios! Coming back to my place? A customer gave me
some Champagne, want to share it ?"
I like Champagne although I wouldn't know a Dom Perignon from a
Bollinger '61. I reluctantly agreed, Salome smiled again tapped
me on the knee with approval and said,"let's go I'll hail a taxi."

What on earth was I letting myself in for? Going back to a Ladyboy's
apartment, that's definitely a no-no if you don't know the person,
some claimed to have been robbed on such a visit.Over the last few days
I had sort of got to know SaLoMe, maybe I might learn something about
another side of Thailand. Salome's English is not as good as Yip's but
it wasn't bad.

The taxi took us to a non-discript part of Bangkok not too far from the
airport, poorly lit the lights in porches of the four-storey flats
the only illumination.
"Home!" SaLoMe said bubbling. I couldn't look the taxi driver
in the face but I noted a wry smile. I paid the fare.

"I have air-con," she said proudly as she let us into the second floor
apartment. I wondered what we would talk about?
I was greeted by a painting of a naked man set above what looked like
a Moroccan sofa. The flat was tastefully furnished, a woman's touch,
definitely not a male bachelor pad. One wall was covered with book
shelves, the book choice eclectic. As usual I perused the collection
to see what interests she had. It became obvious that 'University' was
not a bar-girl story but a reality. The unofficial biography of Rudolph
Nureyev. I wonder how many of his fans knew he was a sexual athlete with
other men before this book was published. Salome's crashed around in the
kitchen cursing in Thai. "Cashew Nuts ?" -I said fine. I looked at the other
books. Egyptology, Fine art, Astrology and Tarot card reading. A few occult
books I had not seen before, and a lot of Thai books I couldn't read. I
noticed a few homo-erotic books that looked very naughty. They were stacked
next to books on ancient classic eroticism. Some Greek, some Roman. What
surprised me was the Revolutionary Marxist literature. The were a number
of books on Che Guevara, Marx's Das Capital and oddly leaning against them
a book on Carmen Miranda and one on Marlon Brando, I tried to scan and
see if there was one on James Dean but there wasn't.

There were a few rather nice red-brown Greek pots, strangely the customary
image of the Buddha was absent.


"You like my things ? I have a little shop in Chatuchack at weekends, I sell
arty- things. I am quite popular amongst the students, I try not to sell Thai
things, some of my customers send me interesting things." Salome arrived from
the kitchen, two glasses in one hand and the Champagne in a cooler tucked under
her arm. I noticed it was sparking wine rather than Champagne, the label said
'Asti Spumante' I made no comment, I liked it anyway. She put the wine and the
glasses on a glass table held up by two Egyptian cats. SaLoMe noticed that I
was studying the cats. She made a cat growl. 'Cat People?' I said.
"Hey you like one of my favourite films? I have the music by Bowie!" That film
was released in 1982, she would have been about two years old at the time, I
wonder how she picked up on that one? This was no ordinary Thai to say the
least, her flat reminded me of a girlfriend's in St Petersburg. Thailand never
failed to surprise me, one thinks you know about the place then you walk into
a flat like this!

Salome had watched me observe the books, she started the conversation,"I was
arrested once, not for being a Ladyboy but for my political activities."
'You a Marxist?'
"Maybe." She wasn't going to let on.
'What do you think of the present political administration in Thailand?'
"Creep!" I didn't pursue that topic any further.
We sat for a few moments in silence, I felt relaxed, I liked the Bohemian
surroundings. "Refill?" she said as she filled my glass again.
"I want to try on my latest, may I show you?"
"Yeah sure." I wondered what 'her latest' would be? I had visions of Miss
Whiplash - a dominatrix. Salome disappeared into her bedroom.


The CD played and filled the room with Wagner's Tristan & Isolde, the speakers
strategically placed for the best sound. I had visions of Anastasia back in
St Petersburg.

Salome drifted back into the room, I was stunned. She looked like a Greek
Goddess. Her hair had been pulled back and locks fell down the nape of her
neck. A single shoulder strap held the white dress up with a gold clasp.
The image was of Ancient Greece, like a Carytid statue I had seen in the
British Museum.
"What do you think ?"
'Er how about - Wow!' She looked pleased and started to do a graceful dance
back and forth. "More wine? I have plenty." I nodded. She filled my glass
again and continued her dance in front of the glass table.
"Do you want me to do the dance of the 'Seven Veils' later? I am very good
at it! My customers love it."
'Not this week, maybe next time.' I felt a little woozy with the Asti.
"I'd love to have you!"
'I expect you would but I told you I'm not into that sort of thing.
She ignored me and carried on dancing, suddenly she twirled and her dress
opened to expose the fact she was naked underneath. She twirled again to
reveal herself in a state of profound and eager arousal. I blushed not
knowing what to say. I tried to stay calm by pretending nothing had happened.
She filled my glass yet again and sank her wine with one gulp.
"You like the things in my flat?"
'Not very 'Thai' ?'
"There are Thais who like such things but you will never meet them except
for me."

Salome tapped her gold clasp and her classic garb fell to the floor, her
body matched the period of the dress. A cross between Greek goddess and god.
Well toned and not an inch of fat anywhere. The hips were feminine, the breasts
firm, every inch the vision of a woman except for the resemblance to the Greek
god of fertility. She had no tail like the statue but an erect endowment that
most men would envy. I blushed again, confused and embarrassed. She knelt
before me pouring wine into the glasses. "Please play with me ? I get so lonely
and I have very strong urges. I will not disappoint you!"

'Salome, you are good company and definitely not boring but I am not into these
sort of things!'
"I could be 'into' you!" My brain screamed Help!
She did another dance then arched her back and stood on her toes to give me
the full benefit of her well endowed physicality. I began to feel inadequate.
I hadn't really noticed her attributes as there were a few others present during
the filming session. I spent most of the time with my head turned away, I found it
revolting. Action camera, close up, then turn away. I thought I had earned my money?

She drew in her breath to enhance her physique,"You could come to my Ladyboy gym with me?"
'Why?'
"We do all our exercises naked ! I could relieve you while you worked the apparatus?
It's very healthy, to cum when you are exercising!"
I rolled my eyes and rested them on a brick-red Grecian pot with homo-erotic images painted in black on it. No doubt a gift from Dimitrios.
Salome swiftly fell on the Arabic sofa next to me, "I know a lot about Mata Hari!
Can I be your Mata Hari?" He skin felt soft and downy like a woman's. She downed
another glass of 'Asti'and tried to kiss and fondle me.
'No Salome!'
She looked hurt, I had forgot the hormone intake led to rapid mood swings. I had
visions of the kitchen knife plunging home on a poor defenceless Yuri.
I put my arm around her.
"Does this mean we are no longer friends ?"
'No, just lets keep this friendship platonic, there's another Greek for you.
I envied her strident erection. Middle age and my body I believed was winding down
with libido. Would I have tried her if I was younger ?

Salome looked disappointed and hurt. I started to sweat even thought there was air-con.
'Salome, you are great company I like your interests, you are different and exciting.'
She didn't believe me,"Dtoh lair-oh!"
'Salome how many people do I know that have so many interests I can relate to?'
"Probably lots." There were few, if only I could find a girl like Salome and not a
Ladyboy? She sensed my thoughts, a single tear ran down her cheek. I hadn't a clue what to do so I just sat there, the music started again. Debussy's Prelude L'Apres Midi D'une Faune.
She nuzzled closer,"I am always looking for my Prince to come and take me away on a magic carpet to his palace like 1001 Arabian Nights. I am so lonely, the only time
I found love was when I was fifteen."
'What was his name?'
"His name, he was a she and two years older, my first love. She left me for a rich
fat farang twice her age who took her back to America. He killed her one night in
a drunken rage. Don't know why. That was the end of my love. Then I decided I wanted to become a woman. I felt much better about my self, but I am still very lonely.
Make love to me please!" My head started spinning again, she acted and thought like a woman and not someone in a 'Twilight Zone' in-between. I tried to change the subject.

'What do you now about Dimitrios? "That devil! He forgets I am educated an understand the significance of THAT walking stick!"
'How so?'
"You would not understand or believe me, I can only say that there are things of this World that are better not discussed, because in reality they are NOT of this World!"
'Strange man?'
"You're telling me ! One night, late. We were sitting in a dark bar discussing clients,
there were candles on the table. I swear for a moment I saw scales on his face like a lizard, then his eyes took on a reptilian appearance. Just for a moment. I froze with fear. He leant forward and said -'easy to live, easy to die don't forget that!' I was too frightened to answer. I felt that I was in the presence of something inexplicable.
You would call it a 'devil'." A shudder ran through me and I am sure the hair on the
back of my neck stood up!

Salome started crying, a slow whimper. Frank can't you ring me on your mobile and
banish this drama? The phone stayed silent. I stared into space at nothing in particular for what seemed ages. I glanced at my watch. Ten minutes had passed.
The crying stopped. Salome was sound asleep. Mascara had run down her face in smudges.
I eased myself away from her and put her head under a pillow. I then went to the
bedroom. Found a blanket, came back and covered her.

I let myself out of the flat as quietly as I could. Thankfully the lock was quiet and
didn't make that clunk sound when shut.
I ran silently down the few flights of steps sending the cockroaches heading for cover.

I didn't know where I was. I walked down a long street for about thirty minutes. My mind in a turmoil. The contradictions of sexuality had confused me completely. I decided that I had spent too many hours in libraries and needed to get out more. Naive to the World at my age? Pathetic !

I felt like a beer for some reason even after many glasses of Asti Spumante. These days Bangkok officially closed at 2am. I saw some lights in the distance and made for them.
A bar open at 3.30 am ? I saw a local policeman having a drink at one of the tables.
He gave me a smile and a wave. The owner came up to me and waved me to a seat, I preferred the bar."Khrupp?"
'A Singha for me, in a glass, no ice, and whatever Mr Policeman over there would like as well. The policeman waved his new bottle in pleased salute.
4am and two friendly ladies of about 30 years old joined me at the bar. Well this is
Thailand. Back to normality. I would never be lonely in Bangkok. I would leave the
loneliness for Salome. I suddenly felt concerned about her. We are all human beings,
I vowed to stop being so judgmental.

From behind the bar came the game 'Jenga' - piling wooden bricks on top of each other.
No doubt I would get beaten roundly by the Thai, girls? 'You want a drink?'
"Ka, Ka." Came the reply. 'Whatever these ladies are having?'
I spent the next forty minutes in total relaxation. Forgetting all that had happened
that evening. 'Another drink ladies?' - "Ka, ka!"
The owner joined us in amused companionship.'Drink for you?' - "Khrupp!"
My eyes wandered to a strange dragon/lizard carving on a shelf at the back of the bar.
It was accompanied by a bottle of 'Cutty Sark'. Ever interested in Objects D'art I asked the owner what it was?
"Oh that? That 'Naga' - old legend say they live in Kingdom underground and control
human race! Just a story though. I like story, same you?"

I thought I heard the theme tune of 'The Twilight Zone Playing' - I suddenly felt tired.
I think it's time to go back to my hotel.
'Taxi?'
"Oooohh sorry sir no have! No problem I take you back hotel. Finish game with lady
first. You Kohn Jai dee. No rush." The owner/barman smiled a smile of knowing.
I like Thai people.

What an interesting story, nice writing too!

You know you had the raisin salad - fess up.

Concarne - Many thanks. Fiction is often fashioned from fact.
What is it that you like about my writing style?
I am just an amateur !

Defconsul - LOL !

Yeah but why post total Kee Kwai in the trip report section. If you want to post BS put it in an appropriate section.

BTW
No Thai katoey is going to talk or act even remotely like the character portrayed here.

I wandered around BKK wondering if my 'shadow' would turn up again?
Maybe if I went to a few jazz clubs he would be there I could confront
him? There again confrontation with knives and guns is really not my
style. For someone who would stick out in a crowd in Bangkok this Greek,
Turk whoever he is has the amazing ability to disappear. Why always the
suit? We are not living in the 1930's or 1950's, this character is like
a ghost from times past. Why Bangkok? I would imagine seeing somebody like
this in Izmir,Istanbul or Athens in the colder months of the year but
Thailand is always warm.

Internet 1 Baht a minute, that will do. I walked into the fridge that
is modern air-con. No e-mail from this girl, none from that one, none
from the one who lost her mobile to an elephant. She gave me her lucky
charm, because I made her laugh. Well at least she could have borrowed
her friends mobile like last time and given me a call. How they manage
to sense somebody rapidly approaching their 'uppers' I'll never know.
Thai girls have a radar system that N.A.T.O would envy.

What has Mr Stickman to say for himself this week? Why do people believe
myths and old wives tales about HIV/Aids. Good on you Mr Stick but I
wonder how many deaf ears your weekly will fall upon this time ? 50% of
'punters' going condomless ! I hope your figures are wrong Mr Stick? I
bet none other the punters understand the significance of the word exponential
let alone spell it ? Going out without a raincoat on and you will get more
than wet. None as deaf as he that won't listen. Truth is a bitter pill in
the land of illusions.

The BTS train felt as cold as the Internet shop as the modern train whisked
me to Victory Monument. The Saxophone Pub is tucked off down a small side-street.
A beer some food and great music. See if you can find me here 'Mr later-day
Peter Lorrie' ? Loud, I would not hear my phone or text alert here, better
check. "Yuri- busy with Charlie-girl, meet up in Pattaya for a beer? Chas."
Couple of days in Pattaya? A bus from Ekamai or is there another way? That
hotel in Soi 4 that does the free minibus if you stay in one of their places
in Pattaya. That's it ! An almost private bus. Follow me there if you will
Mr Lorrie in the suit.

I love early evening Pattaya, always has a relaxed buzz about it. A quick
beer with a couple of crazy Brit friends in Soi Diamond and then my
favourite place for Tom Yum Goong.

A casual stroll down Walking Street avoiding the cars and bikes, closed for
traffic only at night. At the end near the beginning of the beach is a
large area with many small bars.

"Hello sar - yoo welkum!" Outstretched arms implored me to join them for a
beer or something. Casually moving to an outside restaurant behind the
bars I watch girls daub make-up on already pretty faces for tonight's hoped
for custom. I had already heard tales of empty bars and poor business. I
got the impression that the authorities wanted to rid Thailand of the
bar-scene to replace it with a more acceptable clientele. I wonder if they
had come across my Byzantine shadow yet? I think I shall report him to the
Volunteer Tourist Police and see how they handle a real player. With relief
I realised I had left him in Bangkok.

"Menu sir" said the waiter with the dark red painted finger-nails. No it's
OK I replied just a bottle of Singha and a large Tom Yum Goong.
"Singha lek or yai?"
"Yai khrupp, mai nahm kheng"
"Mai kheng?" the waiter giggled and trotted off giving orders fluttering
his hands.

I watched a small ferry boat arrive at the jetty packed with Chinese tourists.
The restaurant provided a wide vista of the sea with the many small craft
of all types. At night the lights of fishing boats could be seen far out on
the horizon. I anticipated a Tom Yum Goong laced with Langoustines rather
that packed with mushrooms and the usual shrimps. With rice it would be a meal
in itself.

A newspaper rustled behind me and a throat was cleared of phlegm. 'Get out and
walk I thought' I waited for the sputum to splatter the wooden boards and put
me off my meal. None came.

"I'd like a word with you!" came the deep Continental voice behind my left ear.
"I'm sorry I..."
"I'd like a word with you and not back to back!"
A chair scraped and a dark image moved and placed itself opposite me. Folding
the Turkish newspaper. I recognised the language that unlike Greek was written
in Roman script. A paper from Ankara in Thailand? Turkish airlines flew there
regularly with a comfortable Airbus A-340.

I nervously gulped my beer,"bit 'ot here for a suit mate innit?"
"I see you have dropped the pretence of being a Russian?"he replied ignoring
my comment about suits and heat.
"I can't offer you a cigarette I don't smoke."
"I know, anyway I have my own Turkish made especially in Istanbul."
"Hhmmmm you have 'friend', he want dink?" pouted the waiter.
"I'll have a coffee and a brandy, If you don't mind?" came the false smile.
"HHhmm how would you like your brandy Sir?"
"In a glass!" snarled my new companion. The waiter trounced off in a huff.
I noticed the familiar scar down the left side of the face, he still could
do with a shave.

I puckered up courage of sorts,"OK let's get to basics - Why are you following
me?"
"You have something valuable of mine and I want it back!" He undid his jacket
to reveal a shoulder holster.
"Now I know why you wear a suit"
"Correct and I don't want to look like a tourist in shorts and a beer belly."
"Yeah but that would be a good way of blending in."
"I can move in and out however I want without being seen, it's sort of an
occupation."
"So I've noticed." My knees started shaking.
"Don't worry I have just come for some thing that is mine, not to kill you but
I would not hesitate!"
The Tom Yum arrived but I had suddenly lost my appetite, the waiter flounced
off without his usual friendly chat.

"How very fetching, dark red nail paint. Now I will get to the reason I am here.
That gold locket around your neck."
"What gold locket?"
"The one that is hanging on the chain I can see from your half open shirt."
What about it, and how did you know it is there?"
"Nong, you know a girl called Nong?"
"Maybe."
"Well the locket got stolen in a fit of drunken madness."
"Whatever Nong is she is not a thief. How do I know it's yours?"
"If you open it up you will see not a picture but an unusual key hinged inside
with these numbers on it, like so - 314666." He wrote them down on a paper napkin.
"The metal by the way is titanium the rest of the locket is solid gold. That locket went from the girl who stole via farang boyfriends, often thrown about in a fit of rage. Most of the girls did not like what was inside,no place for a picture. It took me
quite a bit of time and money to track it back to your acquaintance Nong.Whom I
also expect didn't like the inside and passed it on to you."

Terrified I pulled out the locket, with trembling fingers managed to get it open
at the third attempt and there indeed was the odd hinged key, made from a different alloy. I had opened the locket before but had puzzled at it's odd contents, I had not noticed the engraved number before.

"It's neither her property or yours!" barked the Byzantine suit opposite,he dragged
on a cigarette that smelt more like a cigar.
"I suppose you'll be wanting it back?"
"What is mine is mine, I would take it by force if necessary, you would not
want to be found floating out there by the jetty would you?"
I shook my head and handed it over. The man in the suit gave a deflated sign
of relief, rather like an inflatable that had just been punctured.
"Well who are you?"
"Another sort of friend of Nong's." came the non-committal reply.
Nong what have you got me into?
I thought an elephant eating your mobile was high drama!
"Do you have a name?"
"It is of no consequence." He then thought again."OK you can call me Mr D.... err
Delphi. Mr Delphi."
"Pleased to meet you Mr Delphi." I squeezed my eyes shut in disbelief at the obviously false name.

When I opened them he had gone. In an instance. Like a flash, locket and all.
Like an idiot I looked over the side of the rail into the sea. Nothing, no splash,
of course there would be none.
"Hmm your friend gone?"
"Not my friend, just an acquaintance, an unwanted one. You see him leaving here?
"No sir, one minute he is sitting with you, I get called over to another table,
look up and he is gone, you not hungry?"
I suddenly felt the delayed pangs of hunger and tucked into my Langoustines, gulping beer between mouthfuls.

"Strange one that one!" pouted the waiter in disgust.
"You're telling me." I fingered the empty space on my chest where the mysterious
locket once hung.

My mobile began to play its silly tune.
"Chas ! Sure I'll meet you for a beer, no I didn't find the Al Jarreau CD I
was looking for. You'll never guess who I have just met.
No, not Al Jarreau but you've sort of got the jazz connection right! I have quite a story to tell you!"

I’d just finished a rather good meal of beef in coconut at the ‘Old Dutch’
When I started to wish that the beer killing Frenchman ‘Chas’ was
around. He is can-noodling up the Khao San Road. I had just nearly got my face slapped by the Thai manageress in tight jeans for pinching her bum, Italian style! I really wanted to find Nong again but things in this part of town seemed to be changing.

I looked at my favourite A-Go-go with it’s synthetic Egyptian theme.
Closed again ! What is happening in Thailand ? It used to be ‘anything goes’
but now even some states in America are more risqué ! At some level of power
it seems to have been decided to swim against the flow of cultural history. Weird !

I looked at the hand-written sign on the door in thick felt-tip, ‘Moved to *****
Bar’. Nong had probably returned to Issan. Why am I following this story up?
I just want to know about that locket. I can’t say I walked in but more like furtively
crept into the alternative. Same stuff, pole-dancers in bi-kinis. What a yawn ! I ordered a Singha. Didn’t know anybody, yawn again. What lousy music, my
washing machine back home is more tuneful. The usual gawking farang, hey man
that is a woman! The muppets have more animation. Beer to lips, leer at the Thai
girl, beer back to the table. Dysfunctional morons!
The Mamasan started to give me knowing and aggressive looks. I don’t know this
one but she knows me ? Where is Nong ?

A wet and erect tongue decided to enter my ear and the teeth began to give my lobe
a good chewing. Nong ! That’s the ‘Western’ slapper trick I taught you ! A smile a
giggle and a hope that all is forgiven.
“Bpen arai?”
“Ben who? I’ll give you what’s up ! Who’s Mr Gangster you have been hanging
around with? Yeah and don’t give me the –‘I’ve lost face so I am gonna sulk routine’ !”

“Him bad man!”
“Which one?”
“Err….whichever one you want to say !”
“Listen Nong I have just been spooked by ‘Mr Mean and Ugly’ because of that locket
you put around my neck!”
“Oh locket come from my friend Moo, she get from customer called Canadian Johnny!”
Yeah we both know how Moo gets things but I don’t think Canadian Johnny is gonna
get a locket like this from some cheap one bath gold merchant?”
“I suppose that is all you know?”
“Ka!”
“OK – Ka ! Now here is pahn baht for some more OK ka?”
“Canadian Johnny get it from Poom.”
“How come you know the history of events?”
“Thai lady poot mark mark!”
“So Poom have the locket you gave me so how did she get it?”
“From ‘slick-Yankee’ him do much business!”
“And how does ‘slick biziness yankee have the locket?”
“Oh he take from Yip coz she like Yabaa”
“OK ka so what’s the next part?”
“Nung pahn baht or I get face cut with knife then cannot work!”
“Who is going to cut your face?”
“Bad man- falang biziness man! Why some call you Yuri and others
Ronaldo?”
“Just names we call in falangland – ‘nicknames’ like the names you
girls have when working. So what about about this Yip?” I rolled out
another crisp one thousand note.
“Now I have trouble get cut face, please speak to Mamasan!”
I beckoned over the stern faced harridan that passed for a Mamasan.
“Please sit down.” I had two one thousand notes seductively in my hand.
“Yip?” I thought I was gonna get a right uppercut.
“Alai?”
“Yip?”
I tucked a couple of thousand baht in her jacket top pocket.
“Bahng-tee”
I added another thousand that I could scarcely afford.
“Bad laydee I tell her, she no work here no more. I want no problem
nasty falang, no problem yabaa. Have police many many!”
“She not here “ I enquired.
“No not here.”
“I have to speak to Yip.”
“She bad lady give problem other girls, have yabaa, have opium! Control
other girls, they like yabaa, like opium. She give for free, then they like then
she sell when they need. Bad lady she, she make lady have need then she supply!
Girl working mark mark just to pay for yabaa, opium!”
“Where do you think she get opium?”
“From funny falang, not seen before. He not like other falang. Big policeman take
him, he take around back bar, pull gun. Him say you not do I say you dead man for
sure. Police frighten mark mark! This important poleesman. Him come back, face
white mark mark.I think he jus learn, no play game heen dead man lair-o lair-o.
Funny falang have suit, old fashion, him no shave, look like gangster from film.
Too much confiden, police have scare mark,mark. Never seen before, Thai man
have face white. I think he think die soon?”
“Did the funny falang have a suit that looked very old?”
“No old like worn out, but old like from long time ago.”
“And Yip?” Another thousand in debt as I palmed the Mamasan.
“Look this her address, her mobile number, I not want trouble, we have nice
lady here, no trouble, pay police mark mark, big policeman have money, he put
money in business. Him jaidee no problem. Him upset funny falang, end up in
klong, floating like dead fish. Everything change in Thailand now. Even poleesman
have frighten’ now. Have family not want to end up like dead fish in klong.
Many falang mai-jaidee now, have gun, kill for yabaa! Not go prison. All kohnThai
have frighten. Very dangerous. Like to kill. Big Mafia like Italian but killing mark
mark. Stupid holiday falang with pack on back think they make quick dollar but end
up in Thai prison. Falang mafia not go prison, have laughing at stupid farang want money for lady. Stupid student, chooay falang mai-dee. Then fifty year in prison and
bad man him walking free!”
I sat back, took a large gulp of my beer and blew out my cheeks with a silent whistle.
“Listen, you not get involve funny falang, him clayzee, velly danger, you promise me
not get involve!”

Time to meet Yip and follow a crazy trail. Time to walk away and forget. Time to
avoid fifty years in the Bangkok Hilton?

Do I walk away or follow my fascination about a locket that looks ordinary but has a ‘key ‘ to something? It is better to walk away and forget everything.
Humans are not like that, they have to know whatever the consequencies?
Well some do anyway?
Stupid Thai girl?
Stupid farang who’s curiosity could not be quenched.

Sitting in the Garden Bar on Soi 4 nursing a beer I tapped in the number the Mamasan had given me for 'Yip',it rang. The address was too vague. It seemed more like a block of flats without a number.

"Ka?"
"Yip?"
"No not 'Yip' who want to speak her?"
"Yessplease"
"Wait minute."
The same voice comes back on the phone.
"I sometime called 'Yip',is nickname."
"Are you the same 'Yip' who knows an American businessman?"
"I know lot of businessmen, you want Yabaa?"
"No"
"You dtham-rooat - policeman?"
"No I would just like to have a chat with you?"
"You have munee?"
"Maybe?"
"Cannot meet you unless you go where I say"
"OK where?"
"You know where minibus go from Lumpini?"
"I can find it."
"Near there is Viet-Nam restaurant. Wait in bar next door."
"How will you know me?"
"Wear bright red shirt."
"I don't have one?"
"Get from stall on road, velly cheap, see you exactly two
hour from now!" She closed the line.
"But....?"
No point in ringing back. I'll get the cheapest red shirt I can find then hail a taxi.
I arrived early, and passed the time looking at the Vietnamese menu. The food looked good but I wasn't in the mood to eat.
When the two hours was almost up a taxi driver approached.
"Yip?"
"You know where she is?"
"Khrupp, please follow sir." I followed the taxi driver a few paces to his waiting cab. An attractive girl sat in the front. I got in the back of the cab. Once the driver had got in the girl barked a few words in what sounded like Lao. I couldn't be sure.
"We speak when we arrive." She said no more. We drove to the outskirts of the city and then some more.
Past a few factories and non-descript appartment blocks we arrived at an even more non-descript Thai restaurant. We got out of the taxi to her first words in half an hour,"you pay!"
She led me to a deserted chair among other deserted chairs that were tucked under empty tables.
Very tall with long hair she reminded me of some of the Ladyboys I had seen. No adam's apple, a good chance she wasn't a he.
"OK you have twenty minutes. That will be two thousand baht up front."
"Hold on a minute you said nothing about money?"
"Time is money!" she crossed elegant legs, the bottom of her flower patterned mini skirt rose a little.
"What you want?" I was pierced by almost green eyes,even with the high cheekbones there must be farang blood somewhere in the family.
"Do you know somebody called Mr Delphi?"
"Not know man this name."
"Do you know anybody with a name anything like that?"
"Why?"
"He claimed a locket off me that was mine till he said it was his."
"Locket?....HHmm You have another thousand baht?"
"Ok - I'll be washing dishes at this rate!"
"Why you wash dishes?"
"Never mind." Western expressions sometimes lead to confusion.
"Do you know someone who claims to be Greek or Turkish and wears clothes your grandfather may have worn?"
Her beautiful eyes widened. Her character was nothing like the description from the Mamasan.
"Bahng-tee, him have walking stick with ivory-top made into face of ugly man with beard - like 'Naga' Dragon snake?"
"I hadn't noticed that?"
"Here take your money back. I not want trouble, him too dangerous. He make me deal in Yabaa coz I need money very quick, not usual bar girl excuse. Everything fine then he disappear. I get taken to police station. Spend night there. Very frighten, think I spend rest of my life in Bang Kwarn Prison. Then next morning police release me without charge. Police whisper in my ear, he say I lucky not to be dead, better go hide for many weeks.I want to go now, I get taxi, tell driver where to go, OK ?"

"OK khrupp."

"Please you not tell anybody, I only talk to you coz I need money and think you pay me, now it not matter!"
The beautiful creature looked very upset. She was nothing how I had expected, nothing like the Mamasan had described.

An hour later I was back with a beer in Soi 4.
It didn't take long to decide that that was the end of that adventure ! I wouldn't mind meeting 'Yip' again in different circumstances. Definitely not the average bar-girl.
Now what did that Mr Delphi character say on leaving when we met in Pattaya? Something about going fishing in the Andaman Sea? Well he can stay there and fall off his boat for all I care. That's the last I intend to see of him. My fault for being inquisitive and trying to play Mr Detective. Get back to yer beer and birds boy.


The Luxury Hotel
That cannot be named for obvious reasons

Mr Delphi or Dimitrios if some are to believed sat in the front
of the first taxi. Where did he learn such fluent Thai ? He sat
relaxed discussing gawd-knows-what with the driver.
I sat in the back with two Ladyboys the other three followed in
a taxi behind.
"You're cute!" said 'feather boa' again.
Yeah right, I'm straight.
"They're the best!" It cooed.
Get off! Stopping tickling me.
"You're cute!"
Bloody Hell - How did you learn such good English ?
"University, but I was expelled."
I am not surprised - Ever been in the back of a taxi with two
randy Ladyboys? I hadn't till now.
Ouch ! Will you stop?
-stop fluttering those eyes at me !
Oh no here comes the suggestive tongue around the top-tip routine.
"I'm hot!" she says.
This taxi has air-con say I.
"I could show you things that you would not believe?"
I don't doubt that.
She or it pulled it's mini skirt right up. Standing to salute?
I got pouting lips.What I wouldn't do for a cold beer and some
naked lady dancers at 'Bottoms-Up' in Nana or whatever it called
itself now. But that was not allowed under the 'New Social Order'
'New Stupid Order' more like.
'Mr Delphi' chuckled in the front seat.
Salome I think you better save your homo erectus for the clients
at the hotel. I tried to push off clinging hands.
"They are going to get 'It' tonight!" she said.
There seems to be plenty of it?
"I'm a very energetic person!"
No kidding?
"Latin?" Delphi decided to speak to me for once.
No mate Anglo-Saxon!
"I want you to catch the clients 'in flagrante delicto' or 'In
delicto flagrante' I can never remember which way around that
phrase goes?"
Nor can these Ladyboys, will you get off!
"I have big dick!- I play with myself everyday!" said the other one.
Bully for you deah - I wanna get out Delphi !

"We're here" said the Greek hood.
By some slight of hand we, that is Delphi,myself and the five ladyboys
were whisked through a sort of side entrance and down some long thin
corridors. The Thais seemed to know Delphi yet neither argued or challenged
him. I saw no money palmed.
The ladyboys went off through one door and I was hustled through another
to a small empty room with a camera on a tripod pointing at a glass window/mirror.
"This is the equipment you will use. make yourself familiar with it. It is not
complicated, it just needs a good eye. Make sure you use the zoom for the
hottest action and really make sure the men in the room are identified with
the Ladyboys. This is most important thing. That the action with the LB's
and then men involved is apparent. If not you get no money!" Delphi's eyes
took on a steely quality.
OK one Hollywood special coming up! You get exactly what you want.
"And you'll then get your much needed money!"

Thoughtfully 'Delphi' had left some sandwiches and mineral water. No drunken
cameraman on Singha.


Through the two-way glass I could see the Ladyboys getting ready. Some in
'bondage gear' two others totally naked. Fantastic bodies yet with a blokes'
dick. Weird. Oh well let 'em roll. Action!

Waiting for half an hour I started to get bored and drowsy. So when's the
action? Then the door to the luxury bedroom opened and two suited gentlemen
entered. One slightly drunk, the other looking like a dog on heat.
Wait a minute I know these two? I've seen them in news reports. Blimey they
are VVIP's The one not looking drunk was in the news. Something about getting
back-handers for a helicopter contract. Nothing proven. A very senior Euro-person
in military procurement. The other one slightly drunk is such a well known figure
on the 'Euro-Gravy Train'I just stood aghast for a few moments,

Down to business, having earlier familiarised myself with the camera equipment the
rest was easy. Maybe ?

Four bottles of Bollinger Champagne. I tried to see if it was '61 but couldn't. It
wasn't cheap muck whatever it was.

In a moment the famous 'Euros' and I mean 'well-known' were naked.

Oops get the equipment going. Can't air-brush out those beer-guts I'm afraid. I checked
the zoom on the beer-guts. Great target no probs.

I had to sit down while some extensive foreplay was enacted. Yawn, sea food and champagne-
how the rich live?

Cameras roll ! They are getting down to it !
Bloody hell ! So that's what they do !
Ouff - I bet that hurt. Zoom in.
These two blokes really are gagging for it.
Wow! He's into her, she's into him.
My boy lollipop!
Two blokes, five Ladyboys. Are there enough orifaces ?
Steamy action or what? Zoom again.
Connect the famous face with the action
Bloody hell this is mega-porno.
The famous and powerful are at the feet of the Ladyboys.
Begging, pleading - Why do powerful people want to be dominated and abused?
Ugh - that's disgusting ! Zoom in again.
Blood, cum and everything. This looks like it is getting out of hand.
Male rape,gang rape. Ladyboy rape. Torn flesh. Zoom that camera !
Where do they get the energy? I hope this is not a long reel.
Screaming, shouting,whipping, sucking, f**king, cum here there and everywhere.
Mr Delphi this camera is recording it all. I'm knackered just watching it.
Oh no that's filthy ! Sheeeet. Literally !
Talk about the initiation into a hidden world?
Riding him pulling the bastards hair. I want to throw up!
That's a novel use for an empty champagne bottle, I hope it
doesn't get re-cycled.
Oh the debauchery! I turned away.

Looks like the reel is nearly finished. I feel like I have been in the boxing
ring for five hours. They are still at it ! Oh they are having a rest.
Canapes and champagne. Oh for the simple life and a normal girl.Whatever normal is?
In tomorrow's news this scum will be suited and booted. Pontificating on the World's
morals as if butter would not melt in their mouths.

Delphi entered the room. "Got that all?"
Yes, can I go now?

Delphi. Checked the film and started a partial re-run.
"Good you have skill with a camera just as I suspected."
The two VVIP's started up again with the Ladyboys.
"Enough ! Here is your payment. Take a taxi. I will clear up here, I have what I
want and more."
I pocketed a large roll of notes, left and caught a taxi back to my humble hotel.

I sat on my bed thinking about what had just happened and looked at my large wad
of well-used 1000 Baht notes. I ran to the toilet and spent ten minutes throwing up!

I flopped on the bed and slept the sleep of the damned.

Chas where are you?

Why isn't anybody around when you need them?

A leaflet with pictures of girls in a large open bath was pushed my way.
“Afternoon good price discount for you sir, lovely lady take care you
many,many?”
‘No thanks mate.’ I waived him back to his tuk-tuk on Sukhumwit. Do
I look that desperate? Maybe I do ?
My mobile rang or more accurately played a classic fugue.
‘Allo Frank ‘ow the hell are you?’
‘Good fun with FrankieGirl – I’m jealous! oh tears and thoughts about rings, ah maybe not so jealous. Don't buy a buffalo or a whole load of rubber trees !'
‘What am I up to? Good question. –
-going to see Dmitri at the Embassy, he’s got some info for me on
that creepy Greeko –
Yes Frank I am being careful
Yeah I know - the LadyBoy should have stuck it in my ear and f**ked
some sense into me. Yeah I will be careful but I need the dosh big time-
Bar-girls? Yeah too much trouble, good fun but the conversation runs
out after a while and then they end up on the mobile to their mates for
hours at a time. You know what I mean Frank?
Have I tried an agency ? –
Couldn’t till old what-is-name gave me some dinero for that little job
I did for him.
Yeah I will be careful-
Anyway do I need to blow the money on an agency?
Yeah I know I have a better chance of somebody I have more in common
with – too eager for what?
are you surprised when it’s ‘slim-pickens’ back in Farangland – nursing a
beer in pub full of farang all hoping to meet a girl that’s never going to
arrive?
Alright Frank I will give it a try when I have a bit more money – I’ve had
enough of being a butterfly I would like something more long time.
OK mate see you for a beer later’

I hailed a taxi to the ‘Embassy’. We went past the British Embassy on the way.
I wonder how many hopefuls would end up disappointed today when their ‘tilac’
would be told that, “she did not know what school she would be studying at or
town where she would be living and consequently a visa could not be issued – or it would not be appropriate to issue a visa to a girl who had worked for so long in a bar, what guarantee is there that she would not enter the sex trade in Britain?” – sorry old chap and all that, better luck next time?
Somebody should write a song called ‘Tears at the Embassy’ ?
I can almost here the officials’ thoughts coming from the Embassy visa section –
“Don’t you know that sex is not allowed and it is a crime to be lonely – stupid boy
go away and don’t bother us, we didn’t come here to deal with the likes of you!
Another fool about to get fleeced!”

I went to the answerphone at the side entrance. Large wrought-iron gates painted black, elegant trees in the compound. I pressed the bell.
“Da !”
‘It’s Yuri Velasquez to see Dmitri Norisenko’
“Moment plees” came a very gruff voice.
“It’s enquired what is you have to say?” Grunted gruffy.
“Tell Dmitri that his mother is a whore, he’s a pimp and his Borscht tastes like
a Vulture’s crunch!” I heard a roar of laughter from the speaker.
An electrical buzz and a clunk as the bolt withdrew on the gate.
I walked down a narrow path past a fishpond full of expensive Koi-carp turned a
corner and there was the staff member still chuckling standing by an open door.
I got a heavy slap on the back that nearly sent me flying, “I shall be coming to
London to be watching Chelsea!” He bellowed proudly.
‘Rather you than me mate – usual place?”
“Da! He-he.” He still chuckled.
Dmitri sat behind a large red leather topped desk with five phones, the ‘special’
one coloured red. I wondered where that direct line led to? The size of the desk
matched Dmitri’s girth, his bald head glistened and a double-chin flopped over
a badly fitting shirt. A thick folder lay before him, it looked faded and old, the
once green colour had gone decidedly pale like a face after far too much vodka.
A Samovar grumbled with boiling tea in the corner, a large tropical plant stood
alone in it’s pot by the French-windows. Dmitri leant forward and a large paw
grabbed at my tiny mitt crunched the life out of it and then pumped my arm up
and down. “Glad to see you my old comrade!”
“Glad to see you my old mucker!” I tried to get the circulation back into my hands
by tapping my fingers on my thigh.
“Tchai?”
‘Yes please – no sugar thanks’ Dmitri waddled over to the Samovar turned the tap
and the dark liquid splashed in the small glass. “Lemon?” I nodded.
Dmitri thumped back into his extra-large chair. “Right let’s get down to business,
I think the roles have reversed. After all the effort to get this information I think
you’ll be owing me. It’s only because that under-employed oaf Kirilensky back
in Moscow has time on his hands he managed to find this folder. This character
has quite a history, and I emphasise the word history.”
Dmitri opened the folder and showed me the first page. It was an outline of the
details of one Dimitrios Makropoulos. Occupations: Fig packer, pimp, runner
for dubious owners of various ‘clubs’ in Athens and Istanbul. Drugs dealer, arms
dealer. Assassin. The list seemed endless.
‘Quite the villain’ I said.
Dmitri shoved a photo across the table, ‘Blimey that’s him ! He looks a little younger
the black and white photo has faded but that’s him alright.
“He was wanted by the KGB for years, always managed to give them the slip, quite a feat. Double-crossed and double double-crossed just about everything and everybody.
Sold arms to all sides in Greece, Turkey and the Balkans during and at the end of the Second World War. Worked with the Greek Communists and the Waffen SS.Double-crossed the British and they lost a valuable agent or two!”
‘End of the Second World War ?” I was confused and shocked.
“Tovarish, look at the year of the date of birth.”
‘1915 ! – What !’ Dmitri pulled open a drawer of his desk. He pulled out a bottle
of Stolichnya and two tumblers.
“I think this calls for your favourite ‘Vodka-Vanil’ – Dmitri gave me a warm and
kindly look as he poured two generous measures into each glass.
‘There must be a logical answer to this? It’s obviously a close relative, a nephew,
a cousin or something. Some families through up some amazing likenesses?
“Drink your vodka!” We both chinked glasses and threw it down in one shot.
Cough Splutter ! “Oops sorry Yuri I forgot to mention I had put some Thai chillies
and garlic in the bottle some months back!” My eyes watered, ’good stuff Dmitri.
a bit like Irish Poteen illegally brewed on the farm?’
“There are none, no relatives that are known. Apparently according to this file he
was pulled out of the Bosphorus near Istanbul in November 1946. Bloated with
the death of drowning. Strangely according to this file a look-a-like has been
periodically turning up here and there around the World wherever there has been
conflict and trouble.” Dmitri flicked through the file with thick fingers. "This one gets around. Argentina in the 1950's, Brazil during the 1960's, Colombia in the 1970's where he allegedly shot a key figure working for the C.I.A. Back to Argentina in 1982 and then on to Colombia again. That must be the drug connection. We nearly caught him in 1986 on what was our own turf, Cuba. As usual he slipped out of our grasp and disappeared as if by magic.
One positive identifying feature with the character during the Second World War
and his look-a-like is the cane he almost always carries. Quite distinctive, the notes
here say it’s a clever combination of sword stick and gun, but the most unusual feature is the carved head. Look at it the first time and it looks like a Naga you
will see in the Temples around here. Look again and it is almost lizard-like !
Very thorough the old KGB they have even got an artists’ impression of it.”
Dmitri slid across another paper from the file. Although my reading of Cyrillic script
was passable, as before Dmitri had added an English translation.
‘I think I’ll need another vodka. That is exactly like the stick this Mr Delphi carries!
What a hideous image, the stuff of nightmares, I think it looked like ivory but I
can’t be sure?’
“That’s also what the file more or less says.” Dmitri gave out a long sigh and poured
more vodka. “The file ends in 1994, we became interested in other things then like
making money, the good-bad old days were over.” Dmitri sat thoughtfully, staring
into space with his private thoughts. Dmitri slammed his glass down, I finished mine
with another coughing session.
“OK young Yuri I have to go to a boring meeting with the boss. Stay in touch and stay out of trouble. I don’t want you leaping the fence asking for diplomatic protection!” He slapped me on the back.
I left via the same way I entered with a tut-tut joke about Chelsea with the footman.

I tried to take my mind off things with an evening stroll down Soi Company, fending
off girls offering a good time in this bar or that. My mind span. How could this man’s
birthday be 1915 ? There had to be a rational explanation, some lost relative look-a-like or something.

Hands closed around my eyes, “Hello gorgeous!” a hot breath shot down my neck.
‘Salome’ what the?’
“Wanna good time?”
‘Yeah but not from you.’
“You’re cute.”
‘Yeah right, yeah and I know you have ‘big-dick’ it’s really not my scene.’
“C’mon cutie I’ll buy you a beer I’m feeling rich.”
‘Get a good tip from the other night?’
“A big tip and a great fun time, did I have those VIP’s begging for more, I’ve
been offered an all expenses paid trip to Brussels.
‘Go for it girl – I’m sure you can show them a thing or three?’
“They were gagging for me!”
‘Yeah I’m sure they were.’
“In here cutie” She or whatever one called a Ladyboy directed me into a small
deserted bar.
“I have a friend who would like to meet you!”
‘Oh no not more Ladyboys?’
We made our way back to the back of the dimly lit bar. An elegant figure sat alone
in a corner smoking a cigarette with a pink paper and gold band. The elegance she
radiated made her look strangely out of place. I couldn’t quite make out the face.
The waitress hovered, “My usual cocktail, Yuri here will have ?”
‘A Singha will do fine thanks.’
Salome lit the candle on the table with her lighter. It had gone out protesting
lack of custom.

“Yuri let me introduce you to my friend ‘Yip’ well that’s what she calls herself this
week..”
As the candle lit the unmistakable face of ‘Yip’ came out of the shadow. The high
cheek-bones and deep piercing eyes, she could have been a Pharaoh’s wife.
‘I think we have met before’ A feint smile appeared on ‘Yips’ face.
‘Surely this one cannot be a Ladyboy?’
“That’s for me to know and you to find out?” Salome had a knowledge of English
clichés.

'Yip'


"Oh look my friend ! Must have talk, excuse me sollee." Salome
the LadyBoy skipped over to a couple of Thai 'girls' at the
end of the bar.

'Probably gone to discuss make-up?' I wanted to make polite
conversation with 'Yip'
"No doubt." She fluttered her long eyelashes.
'Yip'
"Yes" She dragged on her designer cigarette.
'Is that your real name?'
"No, you would find it unpronounceable. I also go by the name
Angel." She showed no emotion from her cool exterior.
'An 'Angel' from the City of Angels?'
"Something like that, is your name really Yuri?" She dropped
her pretence of pidgin English.
'Maybe, I also like to use aliases, I don't want to alert
certain people I am in Thailand.'
"Certain people?"
'Let's just say I want to try and keep a low profile.'
She took another long drag on her cigarette and began to show
a slight interest.
'You seem out of place with this bar-scene? I don't wish to be
rude but shouldn't you be on TV or work as a fashion model or
something?'
"You can put me in the 'or something' category." This proved
to be hard work.
'Or something speaks very good English, much better than last
time we met?'
"I wanted to keep giving the impression that I am a simple bar
girl. I am not as you have correctly supposed. We are all victims
of circumstance. The English helped at University. I done that,
dropped off in a big silver Mercedes for the days' lectures."
'Don't mind me asking again but what is a beautiful creature at
University doing in the bar-scene?' I must have looked perplexed
or just plain stupid.
"I am not at University anymore, I got expelled. I have upset
some important and powerful people." Eager for more knowledge
about the goddess sitting opposite I tried to be friendly by
ordering drinks. 'Noo noo'? The service girl bounced over with
a smile. "Ka?"
'I'll have a Singha, and the lady will have a....'
"Jamesons ice and soda." The look of puzzlement on the service-
girl went when 'Yip' rattled off the instructions in Thai."Ka, ka
OK ka."
A rather large Jamesons arrived along with my Singha. 'Geaow khrupp?'
I still think drinking from a bottle disgusting. I tipped out the
ice into the ashtray.
Yip gave me a long hard searching look. "I know what you are going
to ask me? What happened to University and the Mercedes?"
'I....er?'
"Don't be shy. I have not spoken about this for a long while, but
you have a sincere and honest face, be careful of the girls here.
They like an easy touch, you'll hear that you are 'Jai-dee' - good
heart, more times than bottles of beer that you drink!"
I blushed at the compliment, luckily it didn't show in the dark bar.

"I come from what you call a 'Hi-so' family. I was happy enough but
bored with the privileges, the family were strict with money so I
didn't go out too often and enjoy myself. I studied History and
economics but would have preferred Fine Art. Do you like Fine Art
Yuri?"
'I have an uncle who is a bit of a rogue, he deals in it. Would you
like some Russian Icons?'
"Perhaps one day and under different circumstances." Yip looked very
wistful.
"Are you a Russian?"
'No, just let me say I am a mix of a cold country and a hot one.Rather
like my emotions, they blow hot and cold. I really want to know about
you, I'm not very interesting?' She gave me another long searching look.
Gulped a large measure of her whiskey down and dragged on a fresh
cigarette that she had just lit.

"I have an illegitimate brother and cousin. Both outcasts from the family.
We were never allowed to discuss them, it was if they never existed.
They both grew up poor with their respective mothers. But I found them,
and I adore them both. My brother is very happy-go-lucky as you say in
the West, one day he came off his motor-bike. I got him into a good
hospital but the bills were very high. I wasn't allowed to have much
money even was supplied. My only option to get money quickly was to work
in the sex-industry. I hated it at first, then I got used to it. Now
sex for me has about as much excitement as brushing my teeth. I am good
at faking it for the customers and telling them how good they are. I was
going to leave the industry when my darling cousin, a girl, was diagnosed
with cancer. More hospital bills so I stayed in the scene. I learned the
companionship of the girls, their team spirit if you want to use a modern
way of speaking." I was in awe of Yip's English.
These girls come from poor backgrounds, they go back to the village with
their new mobile and gold chain around their necks. They have a new status,
they have money when it is not gambled away or used to pay for the Yabaa to
keep them going. They are part of a family, the bar or go-go family. You
see the smiles but you never see the tears. One girl gets a lovely gold
chain from a customer and the others say how lucky she is but secretly are
jealous. You don't see the envy behind those smiles. A smile can cover many
things Yuri?"
'The country where my uncle comes from they all go around looking grumpy, they
say if you smile you should mean it. It then becomes something genuine. Then
the vodka bottle comes out and so does the emotions. Laughs and smiles, dancing
on tables when an hour earlier there was a melancholic discussing of life and
the meaning of the Universe.'
"I thought alcohol was a depressant?"
'Not for them, please continue with your story.'

"Lying in both senses of the word is an industry in Thailand. I hope one day
we will stop it. I have seen girls lose a genuine love and a lot more because
of this addiction. Often just to save face. When lying becomes the ultimate
habit who can be true to themselves. There is a lot wrong with this country in
my mind. You 'Westerners' just enjoy the illusion, the smiles, the mai bpen rai-
it doesn't matter. Everything here is for show yet much goes on behind the scenes
hidden from the public and tourist eye. Have you been with many bar girls Yuri?"
'Errr....one or two.'
"Or ten? Have you ever noticed anything unusual?"
'The amount of soft cuddly toys in some of the rooms I have been to. It's as if
there is a part that has been denied in youth or never grown up. Some rooms look
like a child's nursery. I found that very sad for a girl of thirty?'
"That is the way of things here, you will also see educated girls of twenty-three
who have not even been to a bar let alone work there cuddling a soft toy furry
animal. I stayed with a bar girl friend for a while, there is not only soft furry toys. Ever slept with cockroaches Yuri ? A cheap room, all the money goes back to the family. I used to lie awake at night listening to her cry herself to sleep."
'Ooooh Yuck ! You'll be telling me next you fried them and ate them. I 've seen them for sale on the streets, Yum Yum.' I felt green.'Any more about your life? How did you get involved with this Dimitrios character?'

"I'm coming to that. The hospital bills for my cousin rose and rose. One day a very
important man invited some of the girls to come to his party. A lot of money was
offered. I had to go, I needed the money. Have you ever ridden a naked man like a
horse and then pissed on him Yuri?"
'Errrr....no I can't say I have. The bar girls I know are quite conventional in the
bedroom. Boring old me I suppose?'
"There was a very very important man at the party who wanted me big-time. Now Yuri even a girl who works as a hooker in her spare time comes across a man that is
totally detestable. I refused and refused his approaches. In the end he pulled a
gun on me and told me he had killed for much less. I thought that was my end.
Then he had second thoughts and said he would destroy me. The next thing I knew my
family knew about my nocturnal occupation, I was disgraced and literally kicked
out. I no longer existed. Then I found I was barred from the University. A total
outcast! I still needed money so I worked full time. The hospital bills rolled in."
'Dimitrios?'
"I'm coming to HIM!"

"One evening this man with swarthy skin and what I thought was an Arab look, it turned out to be Turkish, strolled into the bar. Like myself he drank whisky, Scots though not Irish like myself, may I have another?"
I nodded and another very large Jamesons arrived as if by magic.
"He carried that odd walking stick of his and wore a very old-fashioned suit. He stood out amongst the pot bellied farangs in singlets and shorts. He only had eyes for me and ignored the other girls.
'Not surprising' I got a frown, Yip obviously considered her beauty incidental.
He offered me money lots of it, how could I refuse? He didn't want to sleep with me
just do a few 'jobs' for him. At first this was selling Yabaa at a cut down price
to the other girls. Somebody tipped off the police and I spent that night in jail.
No sooner was I in jail I was out again. All because of 'Dimitrios'. He has SOME
influence with the police. He wanted me to go with that 'destesable' VVIP and I
mean detestable. But I was now 'owned' by Dimitrios. Not do as he said and I would
be back in jail for life. I thought of my beloved brother and cousin and agreed.
Oh Yuri the debauchery!"
Yip burst into tears, I did not know what to do. Put my arm around her or what. Then she suddenly composed her self, gulped down a large measure of whiskey and said,"Do you mind if I stop now?"
'Sure, I I I am sorry' Yip looked far into the distance, pain in her eyes.


After a long silence Yip brightened up. She seemed glad that she had got 'something' out of her system. She nodded in the direction of Salome.
Salome whispered something to her friends and nodded in my direction. They all burst into laughter.
"I think you are in there tonight Yuri?"
Salome - The LadyBoy


Yip looked at her watch, frowned and said,"Have fun with Salome?
I have to go to an appointment." She gave me a half smile,stood
up and glided out of the bar. A vision of loveliness, I bit my
tongue with a what if?

Salome bounced over all smiles, "I don't need to work for a while
thanks to Dimitrios! Coming back to my place? A customer gave me
some Champagne, want to share it ?"
I like Champagne although I wouldn't know a Dom Perignon from a
Bollinger '61. I reluctantly agreed, Salome smiled again tapped
me on the knee with approval and said,"let's go I'll hail a taxi."

What on earth was I letting myself in for? Going back to a Ladyboy's
apartment, that's definitely a no-no if you don't know the person,
some claimed to have been robbed on such a visit.Over the last few days
I had sort of got to know SaLoMe, maybe I might learn something about
another side of Thailand. Salome's English is not as good as Yip's but
it wasn't bad.

The taxi took us to a non-discript part of Bangkok not too far from the
airport, poorly lit the lights in porches of the four-storey flats
the only illumination.
"Home!" SaLoMe said bubbling. I couldn't look the taxi driver
in the face but I noted a wry smile. I paid the fare.

"I have air-con," she said proudly as she let us into the second floor
apartment. I wondered what we would talk about?
I was greeted by a painting of a naked man set above what looked like
a Moroccan sofa. The flat was tastefully furnished, a woman's touch,
definitely not a male bachelor pad. One wall was covered with book
shelves, the book choice eclectic. As usual I perused the collection
to see what interests she had. It became obvious that 'University' was
not a bar-girl story but a reality. The unofficial biography of Rudolph
Nureyev. I wonder how many of his fans knew he was a sexual athlete with
other men before this book was published. Salome's crashed around in the
kitchen cursing in Thai. "Cashew Nuts ?" -I said fine. I looked at the other
books. Egyptology, Fine art, Astrology and Tarot card reading. A few occult
books I had not seen before, and a lot of Thai books I couldn't read. I
noticed a few homo-erotic books that looked very naughty. They were stacked
next to books on ancient classic eroticism. Some Greek, some Roman. What
surprised me was the Revolutionary Marxist literature. The were a number
of books on Che Guevara, Marx's Das Capital and oddly leaning against them
a book on Carmen Miranda and one on Marlon Brando, I tried to scan and
see if there was one on James Dean but there wasn't.

There were a few rather nice red-brown Greek pots, strangely the customary
image of the Buddha was absent.


"You like my things ? I have a little shop in Chatuchack at weekends, I sell
arty- things. I am quite popular amongst the students, I try not to sell Thai
things, some of my customers send me interesting things." Salome arrived from
the kitchen, two glasses in one hand and the Champagne in a cooler tucked under
her arm. I noticed it was sparking wine rather than Champagne, the label said
'Asti Spumante' I made no comment, I liked it anyway. She put the wine and the
glasses on a glass table held up by two Egyptian cats. SaLoMe noticed that I
was studying the cats. She made a cat growl. 'Cat People?' I said.
"Hey you like one of my favourite films? I have the music by Bowie!" That film
was released in 1982, she would have been about two years old at the time, I
wonder how she picked up on that one? This was no ordinary Thai to say the
least, her flat reminded me of a girlfriend's in St Petersburg. Thailand never
failed to surprise me, one thinks you know about the place then you walk into
a flat like this!

Salome had watched me observe the books, she started the conversation,"I was
arrested once, not for being a Ladyboy but for my political activities."
'You a Marxist?'
"Maybe." She wasn't going to let on.
'What do you think of the present political administration in Thailand?'
"Creep!" I didn't pursue that topic any further.
We sat for a few moments in silence, I felt relaxed, I liked the Bohemian
surroundings. "Refill?" she said as she filled my glass again.
"I want to try on my latest, may I show you?"
"Yeah sure." I wondered what 'her latest' would be? I had visions of Miss
Whiplash - a dominatrix. Salome disappeared into her bedroom.


The CD played and filled the room with Wagner's Tristan & Isolde, the speakers
strategically placed for the best sound. I had visions of Anastasia back in
St Petersburg.

Salome drifted back into the room, I was stunned. She looked like a Greek
Goddess. Her hair had been pulled back and locks fell down the nape of her
neck. A single shoulder strap held the white dress up with a gold clasp.
The image was of Ancient Greece, like a Carytid statue I had seen in the
British Museum.
"What do you think ?"
'Er how about - Wow!' She looked pleased and started to do a graceful dance
back and forth. "More wine? I have plenty." I nodded. She filled my glass
again and continued her dance in front of the glass table.
"Do you want me to do the dance of the 'Seven Veils' later? I am very good
at it! My customers love it."
'Not this week, maybe next time.' I felt a little woozy with the Asti.
"I'd love to have you!"
'I expect you would but I told you I'm not into that sort of thing.
She ignored me and carried on dancing, suddenly she twirled and her dress
opened to expose the fact she was naked underneath. She twirled again to
reveal herself in a state of profound and eager arousal. I blushed not
knowing what to say. I tried to stay calm by pretending nothing had happened.
She filled my glass yet again and sank her wine with one gulp.
"You like the things in my flat?"
'Not very 'Thai' ?'
"There are Thais who like such things but you will never meet them except
for me."

Salome tapped her gold clasp and her classic garb fell to the floor, her
body matched the period of the dress. A cross between Greek goddess and god.
Well toned and not an inch of fat anywhere. The hips were feminine, the breasts
firm, every inch the vision of a woman except for the resemblance to the Greek
god of fertility. She had no tail like the statue but an erect endowment that
most men would envy. I blushed again, confused and embarrassed. She knelt
before me pouring wine into the glasses. "Please play with me ? I get so lonely
and I have very strong urges. I will not disappoint you!"

'Salome, you are good company and definitely not boring but I am not into these
sort of things!'
"I could be 'into' you!" My brain screamed Help!
She did another dance then arched her back and stood on her toes to give me
the full benefit of her well endowed physicality. I began to feel inadequate.
I hadn't really noticed her attributes as there were a few others present during
the filming session. I spent most of the time with my head turned away, I found it
revolting. Action camera, close up, then turn away. I thought I had earned my money?

She drew in her breath to enhance her physique,"You could come to my Ladyboy gym with me?"
'Why?'
"We do all our exercises naked ! I could relieve you while you worked the apparatus?
It's very healthy, to cum when you are exercising!"
I rolled my eyes and rested them on a brick-red Grecian pot with homo-erotic images painted in black on it. No doubt a gift from Dimitrios.
Salome swiftly fell on the Arabic sofa next to me, "I know a lot about Mata Hari!
Can I be your Mata Hari?" He skin felt soft and downy like a woman's. She downed
another glass of 'Asti'and tried to kiss and fondle me.
'No Salome!'
She looked hurt, I had forgot the hormone intake led to rapid mood swings. I had
visions of the kitchen knife plunging home on a poor defenceless Yuri.
I put my arm around her.
"Does this mean we are no longer friends ?"
'No, just lets keep this friendship platonic, there's another Greek for you.
I envied her strident erection. Middle age and my body I believed was winding down
with libido. Would I have tried her if I was younger ?

Salome looked disappointed and hurt. I started to sweat even thought there was air-con.
'Salome, you are great company I like your interests, you are different and exciting.'
She didn't believe me,"Dtoh lair-oh!"
'Salome how many people do I know that have so many interests I can relate to?'
"Probably lots." There were few, if only I could find a girl like Salome and not a
Ladyboy? She sensed my thoughts, a single tear ran down her cheek. I hadn't a clue what to do so I just sat there, the music started again. Debussy's Prelude L'Apres Midi D'une Faune.
She nuzzled closer,"I am always looking for my Prince to come and take me away on a magic carpet to his palace like 1001 Arabian Nights. I am so lonely, the only time
I found love was when I was fifteen."
'What was his name?'
"His name, he was a she and two years older, my first love. She left me for a rich
fat farang twice her age who took her back to America. He killed her one night in
a drunken rage. Don't know why. That was the end of my love. Then I decided I wanted to become a woman. I felt much better about my self, but I am still very lonely.
Make love to me please!" My head started spinning again, she acted and thought like a woman and not someone in a 'Twilight Zone' in-between. I tried to change the subject.

'What do you now about Dimitrios? "That devil! He forgets I am educated an understand the significance of THAT walking stick!"
'How so?'
"You would not understand or believe me, I can only say that there are things of this World that are better not discussed, because in reality they are NOT of this World!"
'Strange man?'
"You're telling me ! One night, late. We were sitting in a dark bar discussing clients,
there were candles on the table. I swear for a moment I saw scales on his face like a lizard, then his eyes took on a reptilian appearance. Just for a moment. I froze with fear. He leant forward and said -'easy to live, easy to die don't forget that!' I was too frightened to answer. I felt that I was in the presence of something inexplicable.
You would call it a 'devil'." A shudder ran through me and I am sure the hair on the
back of my neck stood up!

Salome started crying, a slow whimper. Frank can't you ring me on your mobile and
banish this drama? The phone stayed silent. I stared into space at nothing in particular for what seemed ages. I glanced at my watch. Ten minutes had passed.
The crying stopped. Salome was sound asleep. Mascara had run down her face in smudges.
I eased myself away from her and put her head under a pillow. I then went to the
bedroom. Found a blanket, came back and covered her.

I let myself out of the flat as quietly as I could. Thankfully the lock was quiet and
didn't make that clunk sound when shut.
I ran silently down the few flights of steps sending the cockroaches heading for cover.

I didn't know where I was. I walked down a long street for about thirty minutes. My mind in a turmoil. The contradictions of sexuality had confused me completely. I decided that I had spent too many hours in libraries and needed to get out more. Naive to the World at my age? Pathetic !

I felt like a beer for some reason even after many glasses of Asti Spumante. These days Bangkok officially closed at 2am. I saw some lights in the distance and made for them.
A bar open at 3.30 am ? I saw a local policeman having a drink at one of the tables.
He gave me a smile and a wave. The owner came up to me and waved me to a seat, I preferred the bar."Khrupp?"
'A Singha for me, in a glass, no ice, and whatever Mr Policeman over there would like as well. The policeman waved his new bottle in pleased salute.
4am and two friendly ladies of about 30 years old joined me at the bar. Well this is
Thailand. Back to normality. I would never be lonely in Bangkok. I would leave the
loneliness for Salome. I suddenly felt concerned about her. We are all human beings,
I vowed to stop being so judgmental.

From behind the bar came the game 'Jenga' - piling wooden bricks on top of each other.
No doubt I would get beaten roundly by the Thai, girls? 'You want a drink?'
"Ka, Ka." Came the reply. 'Whatever these ladies are having?'
I spent the next forty minutes in total relaxation. Forgetting all that had happened
that evening. 'Another drink ladies?' - "Ka, ka!"
The owner joined us in amused companionship.'Drink for you?' - "Khrupp!"
My eyes wandered to a strange dragon/lizard carving on a shelf at the back of the bar.
It was accompanied by a bottle of 'Cutty Sark'. Ever interested in Objects D'art I asked the owner what it was?
"Oh that? That 'Naga' - old legend say they live in Kingdom underground and control
human race! Just a story though. I like story, same you?"

I thought I heard the theme tune of 'The Twilight Zone Playing' - I suddenly felt tired.
I think it's time to go back to my hotel.
'Taxi?'
"Oooohh sorry sir no have! No problem I take you back hotel. Finish game with lady
first. You Kohn Jai dee. No rush." The owner/barman smiled a smile of knowing.
I like Thai people.

Where did u lift it from?

Why is this crap posted in the trip section or even posted at all ??

hopefully hombre will wake up and delete this nonsense.